A quantity and material takeoff is the number underneath every bid. Get it wrong and the pricing built on top of it is wrong too, no matter how accurate the unit costs are. Digital Estimating and Architecture provides quantity and material takeoff services for general contractors, subcontractors and estimators across all 50 states, with counts delivered in 24 to 48 hours on most projects.
Our quantity and material takeoff services focus on the measurement itself, extracted in PlanSwift, cross-referenced in Bluebeam Revu, and organized strictly by CSI MasterFormat division. Some contractors want pricing attached; others already have their own unit costs and just need accurate quantities to plug in. We deliver either way, and the raw quantity report is formatted the same regardless of which option you choose.
In-House vs Outsourced Quantity and Material Takeoff Services
Contractors comparing quantity and material takeoff services against measuring plans internally often run into the same limitation: accurate takeoffs take time estimators don't always have during bid season.
In-House Takeoff
- Estimator time pulled away from pricing and bid strategy
- PlanSwift licensing cost carried year-round
- Manual measurement increases the risk of missed quantities
- Slower turnaround when several bids overlap
Outsourced Quantity and Material Takeoff Services
- Pay per project with no software licensing overhead
- Estimator time freed up for pricing and client communication
- Cross-checked quantities reduce material ordering errors
- 24 to 48 hour delivery even during high bid volume periods
What Our Quantity and Material Takeoff Services Include
Our quantity and material takeoff services include a full measurement pass organized by CSI division, material counts broken out by trade, waste factor adjustments specific to each material type, and a marked up plan set showing exactly where each quantity was pulled. We reference RSMeans data when a client needs a cost estimate layered on top of the raw quantities.
We count framing, concrete, roofing, drywall, MEP rough-in, and finish materials separately, so your team can order accurately without re-measuring anything. For projects involving storm- or disaster-related scope, our Xactimate estimating services team handles quantity and pricing using insurance industry-standard software. If your project also requires new architectural drawings, our commercial architecture plans team can produce those alongside the takeoff.
Software Behind Our Quantity and Material Takeoff Services
PlanSwift handles digital measurement and quantity extraction. Bluebeam Revu manages markup, cross-checking, and PDF plan handling. RSMeans is referenced for cost benchmarking when you request pricing.
Turnaround Time for Quantity and Material Takeoff Services
We return most quantity and material takeoff requests within 24 to 48 hours of receiving complete plans. Single-trade or partial-scope takeoffs are often faster, and we confirm exact timing once we review the drawing set.
How to Submit Your Plans
Send your PDF plans and a note on which trades or scopes you need quantified through our contact form or by email. Include whether you want pricing attached or quantities only. Our team confirms receipt and sends a project quote back within minutes.
Waste Factor Auditing By Material
We apply material waste factors per item rather than as a blanket percentage across the entire report. Framing lumber, drywall sheets, roofing materials and concrete each carry different realistic waste percentages based on cut complexity and installation method, which keeps ordering numbers accurate instead of padded across the board.
Quantities Only Versus Priced Takeoffs
Some contractors already have vendor pricing locked in and only need accurate counts to plug into their own system. Others want the full priced estimate. Our quantity and material takeoff services support both, and the underlying measurement work is identical either way, only the final deliverable format changes.
Why Contractors Choose Our Quantity and Material Takeoff Services
Contractors rely on our quantity and material takeoff services because the counts hold up against actual material delivery, not just against the plan set on paper. Every measurement is cross checked before delivery, every material carries its own realistic waste factor, and every turnaround window is one we actually meet. Whether the project needs a single trade quantity check or a full building material count, our quantity and material takeoff services are built to give you numbers you can order and bid from with confidence.
Interactive Tool Suggestion
A Material Waste Factor Estimator would let a contractor select a material type and installation method, then see a realistic waste percentage range based on industry standard practice. This turns a question estimators normally answer from memory into something visitors can check instantly, which increases time on page and quote form submissions.
FAQ SECTION
What is included in a quantity and material takeoff?
A quantity and material takeoff includes measured counts by CSI division, material-specific waste factor adjustments and a marked-up plan set. Pricing can be added on request, or delivered as quantities only for your own cost system.
How is a takeoff different from a full estimate?
A takeoff provides measured quantities without labor pricing, while a full estimate adds labor, material cost, and general conditions on top of those quantities. Many contractors request takeoffs alone when they already have vendor pricing.
How fast can I get a material takeoff?
Most quantity and material takeoffs are delivered within 24 to 48 hours of receiving complete plans. Single-trade or partial-scope requests are often returned faster, depending on drawing complexity.
What software do you use for quantity takeoffs?
We use PlanSwift for digital measurement and quantity extraction, with Bluebeam Revu for markup and cross-checking, and RSMeans referenced when pricing is requested.
Can I get quantities only without pricing attached?
Yes. Many contractors request quantities only so they can apply their own vendor pricing. The measurement process is identical to a priced takeoff; only the final deliverable changes.